Artful Living

By Vivienne Jones

Artists and craft makers spend much of their time hidden away in studios, emerging to enjoy the brief but intense forays into the public eye that are studio tours and gallery events. There they get to meet and greet their potential audience. The connection forged between artists and the people who buy their work is a precious thing. It is a bit like a delicate dance and it takes many forms, all originating out of a mutual interest in artistic endeavours, a curiosity and trust, and a willingness to try out new steps. Hopefully the dance results in a work happily finding a new home or perhaps a new piece is on its way to being commissioned and brought to life.

This year the Apsley Studio Tour artists followed up with some of their ‘dance partners’ so they could share a few images and stories of where their art-works end up living. The people who participated were especially happy to share with the artists the pleasure they get from living with works of art and craft. How the work lives in their homes and cottages, in their kitchens and living rooms, in their gardens and on their person. How it becomes a part of their ongoing family story and brings with it a story in itself, of where and when and why it was purchased, and from whom.

‘The Apsley Studio Tour is an event that several friends and I make a point of getting on to the calendar each year as soon as the dates are announced. We all delight in taking in the fall colours as we travel from one studio to the next; interacting with so many of the artists in their own work spaces, gleaning something of the techniques of each as well as the landscapes from which they take their inspiration.’

The quote above and photos shared here are from just a few of those inspiring stories which we will be sharing on our website blog and in our social media posts this summer.

Created by Susan Rankin, glass artist, this grove of seven red glass columns brings her client Katherina joy everyday looking out of her living room window in Toronto.

Created by Tom Parsons,(Parsons Wildwood Designs) a charcuterie dinner for four is served on personalized charcuterie boards at the Waynee family home in Peterborough.

Artist Lisa Mace created this original painting for the dream home of Sharon and her husband on Chandos Lake.

Created by Clare Scott-Taggart (Rusty Girl) the new owner of a bird bath in Ottawa took this photo delighted that the locals made good use of it immediately.

Created by Kathy Robichaud (Chandos Stained Glass) this design celebrates Canada’s 150th birthday. The artist knows of at least four stained glass flags hanging proudly in cottages around the Apsley area.

We look forward to seeing you all in September!

This year’s Apsley Studio Tour runs:

Saturday and Sunday September 18th and 19th, 2021 from 10 am. to 5 pm.

28 artists at 13 locations throughout the Apsley area. (Appropriate protocols will be in place.)